LAS VEGAS–NASCAR’s Corporate sponsor HendrickCars.com, owned by Rick Hendrick of Hendrick Motorsports was a big winner at the Pennzoil 400 weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with checkered flags in both the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and Cup Series.
However, the biggest win in the 2024 season thus far has proven to be NASCAR for its efforts in creating a more equitable, diverse, inclusive environment and on track product. NASCAR’s 2024 season has seen at least one Drive 4 Diversity alum win each week across all three touring series so far.This season is also the 20th anniversary year since the D4D program began.
Nick Sanchez won in the truck series race at Daytona and Daniel Suarez won in the Cup Series in Atlanta before race weekend kicked off in Las Vegas.
NCTS driver Rajah Caruth who won his first career pole and victory in the same day and 2021 Cup Series Champion Kyle Larson, both backed by HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, were first across the finish line in their respective series this weekend; the weekend that falls on the eve of the anniversary that celebrates African-American NASCAR Hall of Famer and agent of change for inclusion Wendell Scott’s first Grand National Series start.
Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports has gone back to back in Las Vegas after winning the Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube, making his 24th victory in 334 Cup Series races. This is his first victory and first top-10 finish in 2024 and his third victory and 12th top-10 finish in 16 races at LVMS.
“I think that’s really important. That’s really cool, with Suárez winning last week. I was super proud and happy for Rajah on Friday night not only because it’s Rajah and everything that he means to the sport, but with HendrickCars.com on his truck, and then myself winning here today, it is pretty cool for sure.
The D4D program was good for my career. Kind of gave me my introduction into stock car racing and gained a lot of experience not only on the racetrack but off of it, as well, with everything that they offered there at Rev Racing when I was there.
I’m sure it’s changed quite a bit since 2012, but regardless, they’ve produced some great drivers, and it’s cool to see. Hopefully we can add some more D4D guys to the new championship list down the road.”
FInishing second, California native Tyler Reddick posted his fifth top-10 finish in nine races at LVMS and his first top-10 of the 2024 season.
Ryan Blaney, the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Champion came in third posting his 10th top-10 finish in nine races at LVMS.
Larson now leads the NASCAR Cup series by 8 points over Ryan Blaney.